Theories
Facts
Interpretation

Theories

           The following interpretation is based on the selection "On Dreams" written by Sigmund Freud.  It focuses on dreams and dream-functions.  The purpose of a dream theory is to observe characteristics and define the way in which dreams are relative to the greater whole.  Freud groups existing theories into three basic, yet still vague, categories based on the degree of psychic activity in dreams.

            The first group allows the full psychic activity of the waking state to carry over into our dreams.  This means the psyche does not sleep, and it must continue normal functioning under bodily sleeping conditions.  A dream is produced as thought runs without senses; it is simply free and relaxed thought.  In this theory the purpose and the function of the dream hold no significant meaning.  If these free thoughts become disturbing or too intense, stimuli to the brain may wake the sleeper.  This is a mere shutting off of the outside world, and if thoughts disturb the sleeper, it has the power to jolt the sleeper out of bodily sleep.  Although this theory allows no meaning for the dreams, it does allow a strong mind and body connection.

          A contrary theory, advanced by Binz, is one that suggests sleep encroaches widely on the psyche. Sleep enters into and greatly affects the psyche and makes it unserviceable; it's almost like  a type of mental deficiency.  This is the reason dreams are sometimes irrational, and it suggests that dreams become less irrational as sleep comes to an end.  This leads to the assumption that dreams are merely physical, as one can only dream when fatigued, but still have a close mind/body relationship.  In short, the dream is the product of wandering thought without end or direction, fixing on memories that contain a sufficient intensity in thought, even though the dreamer may classify them as insignificant.

          The third and most daring of theories is one that suggests that the mind has a capacity for special psychic activities, which, in the waking state, it is able to understand partially, or not at all.  Here, dreaming is a natural function of the mind, not limited by individuality, nor by self-consciousness, nor by self-determination.  It is the livelihood of the mind indulging in “free play” of the universal. Some even suggest that this dream activity is a healing process: the unconstrained play of the imagination, holding no boundaries and no interferences.

          This last theory seems to be the one most widely explored by scientists and dream analysts.  It is difficult to give specific meaning to dreams; they are open to subjective interpretation. But dreams may hold massive significance and are worth exploring.  Dreams are a link to a free and wild imagination.  Dreams link us to the interpersonal self and should be held at a higher level than they are currently held in our society.

          I personally look at dreams as a new world of the imagination.  Dreams are a link to the anti-material world.  A spiritual realm of a new identity.  A spirit does not sleep.  When the body sleeps the spirit leaves the body and travels in obedience to the mind.  Often it interacts with other active spirits.  What the spirit does the mind interprets using senses.  It is possible to relate to other spirits in honesty and enjoyment if your mind has the power over your spirit.  If not, and in extreme cases, your spirit could take over and perhaps never return to your mind and body, thus leaving you a lifeless heap of flesh.  A walking lifeless heap of flesh.  Be careful when you dream, because if your mind is weak your spirit may not return to your body.  But if your mind is powerful, it is possible to live out and even control your dreams and even be the master of a new world, the anti-material world.

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